****** - Verified Buyer
4.5
I purchased a large Vera Bradley travel duffel some years ago (probably around 10), and it has been my go-to weekend and short trip bag. I found this pattern on VB.com and thought I would search Amazon; lo and behold a few pieces in this pattern are regularly on sale. I initially thought this was slightly smaller than my older duffel. It seems to be the same size, if not a 1/4-1/2" slimmer all around, and I attribute that to the age of my first duffel. Notable improvements on the new bag are slip pockets on both ends, vs. only one. Long padded shouler strap (and YES this does come with one), vs. not even a hook to add one on the old. Slip and a zip pocket on the side, vs. no side pocket. Three mesh slip pockets on the inside, vs. no inside pockets on the old. Two top zippers on new duffel to accommodate left or right hand zip, vs.only one. The bottom of the new duffel is gusseted all the way around, where the old bag has gusseting on each end. Looks like only a different means to give it structure. I love that VB has added a shoulder strap option, because my old bag will not stay on my shoulder. Usually at least one falls off, or both, which usually messes up my entire trip from the car to my destination when the bag falls to my elbow. The only note I will make about perceived negative change is the carry handle does not wrap around the whole bag, It stops at the bottom gusset stitch on each side. I think this could, over time, weaken the structure and the carry handle fray off as it gets older under heavy use. Overall, excited to be adding TWO new Java Navy Camo pieces (Utility Travel Tote is the other) for the first time in years. Other commenters have said VB is not on the bag anywhere. There is a tag inside. This is not a knock-off. To stay in business, companies have to cut corners somewhere to reduce costs. I would say plain grosgrain zipper tags help offset. My old duffel is still in great shape. Thought about donating it, but I believe I will keep it! VB does not miss, IMO.I have a VB weekender bag, but found that I was always bringing another bag for sweatshirts or shoes on “up north” weekends where summer nights can be cool. I traveled to the north shore of Lake Superior last weekend and found this size could carry everything I needed for the weekend. I probably would not use it as a carryon for airplane travel, but it’s great for the car.I contemplated ordering this duffel because of the price but it’s 100% worth it. It’s large without being huge and you can fit so much in there. The material feels nice and supportive, and if textures give you the ick like some can with me it’s a cool smooth feel inside and out. It has a cute black and white pattern inside and thick, sturdy silver attachments for the straps. I ordered the ivy green color and it’s even prettier in person. So happy with this bag and I know it’ll be my go to for everythingVery impressed with the size and durability of this weekender bag. It's actually a little larger than I thought it would be, which is fine. Highly recommend if your are in need of one.So far only used it for an overnight but if fit both of our things with extra space. It is nice and thick material too so I was not worried about anything breaking even if it was stuffed fullI have used this for several weekend road trip. It is always big enough to hold everything. I absolutely love the size, shape, straps, and amount of pockets. It feels well made and durable for cloth but cloth is not the most durable. I do not take it on airplane travel because I don't want to get it dirty in that way. But if you took it as a carry on, depending on how packed it is, it might fit in the overhead. If it's stuffed, I'm not so sure. I would worry to check it though. I'm sure it washes, but I have bad luck with checked bags. I'm on my 3rd set of hard shelled cases, they always come back more scuffed and gross than the previous trip, and the way they get slung around, I would just worry my pretty duffle would come back with large stains or handles ripped off. I love this bag too much for that.Loved it and I’m sure you will too. It’s the perfect size plus it’s nice and spacious for all your travel goodies.I love it! The plaid pattern is beautiful. It’s very roomy. And it seems like it will be sturdy. Plus, I got this bag on sale. Score!Lovely big bag and can pack loads in it. I washed it in the machine no problem.This one of the most beautiful bags I have ever had. The colors are vivid. It’s big enough but not too big. Definitely a statement piece. AlWays wanted one and when I got this, I won.Bought as a present for my sister. She loved it. I'm inpressed with how big it is ! Will be ordering one for myselfWas even better then I expected. This is my 2nd Vera Bradley bag and was by far the cheapest.The perfect weekend bagLarge, great print, lots of pockets, good quality.
